Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before I invite the Minister to respond, it might be helpful if I read a quote from Dr. Tom Healy of the Nevin Economic Research Institute, to which the Deputy referred. He said:

In my professional experience I have noticed a diminution of interest over the last 20 years or so among economists in relation to all-island economic matters, as evidenced in the relative lack of exchange, thematic focus and appearances of various conferences and events.

It was economists to whom he was referring in that context.